Tortosa Poll Worker Exposes Growing Distrust in Local Elections and Media

Dawn Bott, a resident of Tortosa, has deep roots in Arizona, tracing her family’s presence back to before the state achieved statehood. “Our blood runs deep here,” she asserts emphatically.

At 47 years old, Bott identifies as a self-proclaimed “MAGA” voter. Her perspective on politics has shifted dramatically since the 2020 general election, which she claims revealed significant vulnerabilities in voter rolls. This newfound interest contrasts sharply with her previous disinterest; she now immerses herself in the political process.

Bott has taken a proactive step by registering as a poll worker in Pinal County, specifically in Maricopa. “I wanted to see what was really going on,” she explained. This decision was fueled by a desire for firsthand knowledge rather than relying solely on media narratives.

“I figured it was a fantastic way to find out by seeing for myself,” she stated. By participating directly, Bott believes she can ensure that laws are adhered to during the electoral process.

Referencing the controversy surrounding voting methods, Bott noted, “Sharpiegate was tried in 2022… we changed to ballpoint.” This statement alludes to the significant social media uproar following the 2020 election, which falsely alleged that Sharpie pens used at the polls could invalidate ballots. This narrative was labeled as misinformation by fact-checkers from the Associated Press.

Bott’s unwavering opinions about election integrity mirror sentiments held by many in the Republican Party, often disregarding fact-checkers’ reports. She reflects a broader skepticism of mainstream media, which has at times been accused of misrepresenting facts related to election fraud.

When discussing her role as a poll worker, Bott expressed concern over media portrayals of interviews. “I’ve seen too many people who’ve done interviews and had their words twisted,” she commented, opting not to provide specific details about her responsibilities and objectives. She emphasized her desire to avoid misunderstandings, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming election. “I just would hate to have a bad taste in my mouth,” she added.